Nanny Goat 24 Hour Race

Last weekend, I headed up to Riverside, California to run in the 24 Hour Nanny Goat event.  I’ve started this recap three different times and each time I start over, unsure of how I want to approach it.  I’ve decided to answer the questions I’ve been asked the most since the race.

What was the weather like?

Like a lot of runners, I often watch the weather the week leading up to a race.  I was a little nervous because this race wouldn’t just be a few hours—I had to pay attention to 24 hours worth of weather.  Midweek, a possibility of rain showed during the middle of the night.  The weather forces were in our favor and the weather was fantastic for the race.  It was a little hot during midday but with the help of popsicles and the ice bandanas Missy made, it never felt too bad.  We also made sure to stay on point with sunscreen and applied it every hour or so. 

What did you eat?

Fueling during an ultra distance is definitely different than other races I’ve done.  Some runners will focus solely on liquid fueling, gels or real food.  I tend to do a mixture of all of them.  I used Tailwind and Muir Energy gels on a regular basis.  The aide station was stocked with things such as potatoes, watermelon, quesadillas, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, pizza, hamburgers and other snacks.  During the night, they also had soup and warm foods available to help with the cold weather.  My go-to real food choices tend to be potatoes and watermelon. 

So you ran for 24 hours?

The race event started at 8:00am on Saturday.  They had a few different race options—a 4 hour, a 12 hours (morning or night 12 hours), a 50 miler, a 100 miler and a 24 hour event.  Missy, Christy and I signed up for the 24 hour event.  To be honest, this is what I was most nervous about—would I be able to stay awake and run for 24 hours?

Saturday Night Sunset from the Course

The late night hours were the hardest for me, both physically and mentally.  The 12 hour runners had already gone home, the spectators were sleeping and you were no longer surrounded by people.  I even reached out on social media because I needed some motivations.  The running community is amazing and came out in full force—I received so many messages, I was that girl ugly crying as she was making her loops- my heart was so full. 

Around 1:00am, I started having major stomach issues like I had never had before.  I was still a bit away from my goal, but I knew I needed a break.  So I took a 45 minute nap.  A part of me was disappointed in myself that I had to stop but I also know it was the smart decision.  And it’s amazing what a 45 minute nap can do for you!

How far did you run?

I ended Nanny Goat with 65 official miles. (my watch had 67 with bathroom stops, etc..)  Prior to the event, people would ask what my goal was and I honestly didn’t have one.  In August 2017, I completed a 40 mile event which is the furthest distance I had ever done so I didn’t know what my body was capable of.  I am happy with the 65 miles but I also know that I could have done better.

"Cone of Death"

I did not prepare for Nanny Goat mileage the way I should have.  I ran a full in February and a half in March but otherwise most of my runs this year have been less than 10 miles.  That’s not smart training and I know better.  Next year, I will train the way that I should.  I will have goals.  I will reach them.

Was it “loopy?”

Nanny Goat is a one mile loop and for many, the idea of that seems daunting.  I had never run a loop course like this so I wasn’t sure what to expect.  I loved it.  I liked knowing I was never more than a mile away from “camp.” I loved seeing the spectators every mile.   I was also easy to make friends on the course because you see the same people a lot during your time there. 

Would you do it again?

Abso-freaking-lutely! I had such a good time and I can’t wait to go back next year. 

Why?

When you tell someone you’re running a 24 hour race, “why?” is often the response.  There are a couple different whys for me.

First, it started as a girls weekend with two people who are very important to me and I was looking forward to sharing the time with them.  Christy broke her leg in another race the weekend prior to Nanny Goat, so Missy and I wore a picture of her to make sure she knew she was with us in spirit. 

My second why is the community.  Experiencing an ultra is unlike any other race experience you will have.  I saw people laughing with strangers, sharing stories when people who were close to tears, people throwing up and people sharing the joy of a sport they love.  I was inspired by a cancer survivor pushing through to 50 miles, a woman cheering on every runner who came by her campsite and my friend reaching a course record. I was inspired and overwhelmed by the people who encouraged and supported me, especially when I was struggling. An experience like this will change you.

Race Swag

My last why is because I had something to prove to myself. Last fall I had some medical issues which required me to lower my mileage dramatically.  I had people questioning me as a runner and though other’s opinions shouldn’t matter, I started to question myself as a runner.  Quite frankly, I was in a running funk and Nanny Goat gave me the opportunity to prove to myself that I can do hard things. 

I don’t know exactly what I was looking for at Nanny Goat, but I found it.  I ran 65 miles—it wasn’t easy and it wasn’t pretty, but I did it.  And I’ll be back year, chasing 100 miles. 

I am a different person that I was before the start of Nanny Goat and I am forever grateful that I had that experience.  Have you ever run a race that’s changed you?

Until next time, happy running!

Jenn13.1